Frequent sauna bathing affects blood pressure

Frequent sauna bathing reduces the risk of elevated blood pressure, according to an extensive follow-up population-based study. The risk of developing elevated blood pressure was nearly 50% lower among men who went to sauna 4–7 times a week compared to men who went to sauna only once a week. The American Journal of Hypertension published these findings in 2017.

The same researchers have previously shown that frequent sauna bathing reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death. This also applied for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality during the monitoring period. Elevated blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. According to the research group, underlying protective mechanisms may include the beneficial effects of regular sauna bathing on blood pressure.

Frequency matters

The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD) involved 1,621 middle-aged men living in the eastern part of Finland. Study participants without elevated blood pressure of over 140/90 mmHg or with diagnosed hypertension at the study baseline were included in this long-term study. Based on their sauna bathing habits, men were divided into three sauna frequency groups. These groups were: those going to sauna once a week, 2–3 times a week, or 4–7 times a week. During an average follow-up of 22 years, 15.5% of the men developed clinically defined hypertension. The risk of hypertension was 24% decreased among men with a sauna frequency of 2–3 times a week. This risk number was even 46% lowered among men who went to sauna 4–7 times a week.

Photo: Hawkhill Resort

Sauna bathing may decrease systemic blood pressure through different biological mechanisms. During sauna bathing, the body temperature may rise up to 2 °C degrees, causing vessels vasodilation. Regular sauna bathing improves endothelial function. This means the function of the inside layer of blood vessels, which has beneficial effects on systemic blood pressure. Sweating, in turn, removes fluid from the body, which is a contributing factor to decreased blood pressure levels. Additionally, sauna bathing may also lower systemic blood pressure due to overall relaxation of the body and mind.

Also, a recent analysis of the same study revealed that those going to sauna frequently have a lower risk of pulmonary diseases.

Further information

Jari Laukkanen
[email protected]
tel.+358-50-5053013
Professor, University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Clinical Medicine / Central Finland Hospital District, Jyväskylä, Finland

Information on the findings relating to pulmonary diseases:
Setor Kunutsor
[email protected]
+44 7539 589186
Research Fellow, MD, PhD, University of Bristol

Research articles:
Zaccardi F, Laukkanen T, Willeit P, Kunutsor SK, Kauhanen J, Laukkanen JA. Sauna Bathing and Incident Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study. Am J Hypertens. 2017 Jun 13. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpx102. [Epub ahead of print]

More information about sauna’s health benefits here.

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